Leuconia johnstoni (Carter, 1871)

Description: This sponge normally consists of flask-shaped lobes with terminal openings, resembling a cluster of Scypha ciliata, but with a common basal crust. The colour may be off-white to beige but is often indiscernible due to the amount of silt that is trapped on the surface.

Habitat: Frequently found on vertical bedrock cliffs, overhangs and wrecks in wave exposed sites or strong tidal streams.

Distribution: Widespread throughout the British Isles, Channel coasts of France and Spain.

Similar Species: This species is similar to Leuconia nivea but L. nivea has a smoother surface and doesn't trap silt.

Key Identification Features:

• Hard to the touch.
• Forms flask shaped lobes with a terminal opening.
• The surface traps silt.

Distribution Map from BioMar data for Ireland - Google Earth map:  download this placemark (not got Google Earth installed?)

Distribution Map from NBN: JNCC MNCR Seasearch data - Grid map : Interactive map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.